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Josh Heintzeman
10.17.2025
Interim Update
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*Where Things Stand on a Possible Special Session*
In the days following the Annunciation tragedy, Governor Walz went to the press announcing he was considering calling a special session to pass new gun control measures. He made these comments before even speaking with legislative leaders, including Speaker Lisa Demuth. From the very beginning, that approach set the wrong tone.
It is important to remember one simple fact: only the Governor can call a special session. If he does, I will show up and do the work. But I will be there to pass real solutions that keep students safe, expand access to mental health care, and hold violent criminals accountable, not partisan proposals that have already failed in a legislature Democrats previously controlled.
The Governor has made gun control his central focus, but he could not pass his proposals when Democrats held full control in both chambers. The truth is, even members of his own party are divided on that issue. There is bipartisan opposition to the kind of policies he's been demanding.
Meanwhile, House Republicans responded with a serious plan that can earn broad support. Our proposal includes:
* *Strengthening school security*
* *Increasing access to mental health resources and treatment*
* *Enforcing stronger penalties on repeat violent offenders*
Unfortunately, rather than working toward common ground, Governor Walz continues to push for a predetermined outcome with no bill language, no transparency, and no committee process. That is not how our legislature is supposed to function. The people of Minnesota deserve to know what is in a bill before it is brought up for a vote.
If a special session is called, you can count on me to stand for practical steps that protect communities without violating the rights of law-abiding citizens. I will continue to work toward solutions that bring Minnesotans together, not tear us apart.
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*Fraud and Election Integrity*
The Fraud and Oversight Committee has continued its work through the interim, and what we heard this week should concern every Minnesotan.
From 2021-22’, between 500 and 600 fraudulent voter registration applications were submitted in 13 counties. Two individuals have already pled guilty. State officials said the system worked, but the truth is that local county workers caught the fraud, not state safeguards.
There were also serious questions about non-citizens using Minnesota driver’s licenses to vote. When asked directly if that could happen, Secretary of State Steve Simon would not clearly say no. They confirmed that our system relies on self-attestation rather than verification.
I want to thank Chair Kristin Robbins and members of the Fraud Committee for pressing this issue. They are working to make sure we get clear answers on how this was allowed to happen and what we need to do to prevent this from happening again.
Election integrity should not be a partisan issue. Minnesotans deserve elections that are honest, secure, and trustworthy. I will continue supporting stronger voter ID and common-sense protections.
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*Medicaid Fraud Still Growing*
We also learned this week that five more companies are now under investigation for Medicaid fraud connected to individuals previously charged. This is just the latest example of why trust in state agencies continues to erode.
These programs are meant to help our most vulnerable, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those in crisis. When fraudsters exploit these systems, it is those people who pay the price.
We’ve made headway in shining light on the abuse and demanding accountability, but we are far from finished. Until every taxpayer dollar is protected and every program is run with integrity, this fight isn’t over.
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*Thank You*
Whether it is discussions around a special session, election integrity, or fraud in our state programs, my commitment remains the same. I will continue working to bring transparency, accountability, and common sense to St. Paul.
Thank you for your continued trust. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Have a great weekend,
Josh
Official Legislative Facebook Page can be found at: @StateRepJoshHeintzeman [ [link removed] ]
658 Cedar Street
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-4333
[email protected].
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